Keep Calm and Carry On

It may be my English grandfather's genes speaking to me, but London was a total delight on this 3rd trip.  We all know of London's historical significance but I did not remember that the great London fire of 1666 destroyed the homes of 70,000 of it's 80,000 inhabitants.  It may now be my favorite city to visit.

The title of this post is exactly what Londoners did during WW II.  They know how to preserve their history while embracing modernization and a great diversity of citizens.

Taking the Caledonian Sleeper from Aviemore, Scotland was a good choice.  My 1st hotel was right across from the British Library and I was amazed at the treasures such as Michelangelo's letter to his nephew about choosing a wife….mainly good health, birthright, and disposition! A letter from Gandhi to the Viceroy of India protesting that his non-violent demonstrations was the opposite of lawlessness, and seeing the extremely tiny handwriting of the Bronte sisters.  Their small print handwriting saved paper, mimicked actual print, and discouraged adults from wanting to read it.  There were too many items to mention and all fascinated me.

Newer British Library with olderSt. Pancreas Hotel behind

I noticed there would be a "Travel Writing Study Day" a few days later - so I signed up and enjoyed learning more about writing travel pieces and blogging.  I may even attend a film or two at the London Film Festival next week as I am missing my beloved Fairhope Film Festival which is coming up soon.  When you read everything you see - you find many opportunities for learning new things of interest.  That goes for my Fairhope, AL  hometown too.

I alway revisit the Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Martins in the Fields, Harrods, John Lewis and every museum shop I see and add new places on every trip.  Taking buses and using the Underground was easy.  London is fast paced with people out day and night and the restaurants and pubs always have outside lines or beer drinkers galore enjoying each others company.

London is a vibrant place made even nicer when I moved to an upscale hotel the Strand Palace (with my friends from Italy for the rest of this stay.  Sunny 65-70 degree weather for the long weekend together was perfect.  Debbie brought my long lost wallet and drivers license back to me!  A happy reunion.

Out group visited Kensington Palace and I loved seeing Queen Victoria's apartments as well as a special exhibit or Diana's iconic gowns.  We did not see the younger royals!

We also had High Tea (expensive)  at the Shard, a 92 story modern slice of glass with a great view of the tower and the Thames below.

Actual Kings Cross Station

Harry Potter was much in evidence during a cute photo opp I ran across at Kings Cross Station.

Holding a golden ticket to Part 1 and 2 for the Harry Potter play of a lifetime at the historic Palace Theatre was a highlight of this trip.  We were in awe at the magic, production tricks and theatrical illusions during this well-done play.  No matter how hard I looked they remained magical. The J. K. Rowling's creativity never seems to end!

Adrienne Warren (Broadway Star) was rarely off stage when she played Tina Turner to perfection in "Tina", a celebration of triumph over adversary.  The music had us dancing in our seats for this excellent bio-musical.  Now,  just to quit singing "What's Love got to do with It" in my head!

London was a "movable feast" I will have again when I return after a nice visit with old fiends I taught with in LaMaddalena, Sardinia years ago.  They live near Cambridge.  I also have the opportunity to see Highclere - the site of Downton Abby near Newbury.

The surprising wonderful weather, experiences with friends, and unexpected opportunities make this trip of a lifetime very special.